US Military Operation on Venezuela Raises Concerns of Potential Danish Territory Acquisition.

The recent US-led strike in Venezuela and the capture of its president have sparked unease regarding America's designs on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the ex-president's base have reportedly focused on the vast landmass in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.

Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Backlash

Merely a short time following the initiation of the Caracas campaign, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is married to a senior White House aide, posted a symbolic image. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, with the single-word caption: "COMING."

This overt suggestion to absorb the resource-abundant region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and strong criticism from Danish representatives.

"Denmark and the US are close allies and should keep work together as such. American security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the US work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."

The diplomat further pointed out that the kingdom had significantly increased its military budget recently, allocating a large amount expressly for Northern and regional defence. "Furthermore, we demand complete respect for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.

Political Appointments and Geopolitical Goals

The tensions were further complicated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."

Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's decisive move, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."

Since assuming office, the American leader has consistently unnerved transatlantic allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is considered critically important for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It currently houses the northernmost US air base.

Leaving the Door Open to Force

In a notable television interview, the leader refused to rule out the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during intensifying global competition in the polar region. "I don't rule it out. I don't say I'm going to do it, but I don't rule out anything... We need Greenland very badly," he remarked.

He characterized Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."

Growing Tensions and Local Opposition

In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Denmark's intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."

The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."

Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also scant appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to seek sovereignty for many years.

Expert Assessment: A Credible Scenario?

Military analysts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One policy director specializing in military analysis conceded she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."

"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a few hundred or a few thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.